As New Year’s Eve comes upon us I’m sure you’re busy making your lists of resolutions and things to do in 2015, but don’t forget your skin! Yes, after weeks of over indulgence, cold weather, and some late nights your skin is probably in need of some refreshing for the new year. I know mine is looking rather lackluster lately. Your skin can be looking bright in no time though! No matter what your skin type, there’s a natural exfoliant to get you glowing.
Most exfoliants fall into one of two categories: Mechanical or Chemical. Mechanical exfoliants remove dead skin and debris by physically scrubbing it off. Chemical exfoliants are applied to the skin and have enzymes or acids that “eat away” dead skin cells, dirt and grime. They tend to get further into your pores than mechanical exfoliants. I prefer a mixture of both. I use mechanical exfoliants when I need to remove rough patches, dry skin, and just when I can feel that my skin needs some smoothing out. I also like this type of exfoliation to prep my skin for serums and other treatments. I tend to use chemical exfoliants when my pores look grimy and I feel like I really need my complexion to look brighter and clearer. So what are my favorites? I have a few! Let’s go through them and see what they each have to offer.
Tatcha Polished Rice Enzyme Powder $65.00
This powder mixes with water to create a very gentle polish for your face. Tatcha Polished would probably be the most mild exfoliator I use. It’s definitely gentle enough for daily use and won’t irritate your skin. It’s listed as suitable for normal skin but mine swings in between oily and dry, depending on the season, and I’ve always had good results. Another similar favorite is One Love Organics Brand New Day. It’s a toss up to say which I like better as the both operate the same way and are equally as mild.
Leahlani Honey Love Microdermabrasion 3-in-1 Cleanser, Mask, and Exfoliator $18.00
A new favorite for me! Not only does it smell delicious, but this blend of honey, hibiscus, Corundum crystals, and essential oils does wonders to remove that dull layer and draw in moisture to ensure a glowing result. You can control the amount of exfoliation you get by stirring to activate the Corundum microdermabrasion crystals or just using a little from the top of the jar. This offers a deeper level of exfoliation than Tatcha Polished but is still gentle on the skin due to the soothing ingredients.
Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub $14.99
This is just a good scrubby scrub! It’s the least gentle among the group but there are times you just need to get a deep cleaning and really want to make your skin feel smooth quickly. I’ll warn you that it looks a little like sea sludge but I promise it works well! This is something my husband uses frequently and we keep it in the shower. Sometimes I will use it in conjunction with a balm cleanse- using the balm first and then scrubbing it off with the Acure scrub.
Don’t let the price scare you.. a little goes a long way. This stuff is magic in a bottle. It’s weird to think of this as an exfoliator but thats exactly what it does- but gently, while you sleep. Moonlight Catalyst may be the only chemical exfoliant in the bunch but it is one of my most valuable players. This is a bit thicker than traditional serums but easily rubs into skin and utilizes fermented pumpkin enzymes to exfoliate. This would be considered similar to AHA’s or even retinoids but is much more gentle on your skin. It really helps to unclog pores as it can get a bit deeper than mechanical exfoliants. I use it 2-3 times a week.
Any of these should have you feeling fresh faced and ready to take on 2015. Happy New Years!! xo
Tatcha is on my list for 2015 😉 Happy new year beauty! xo
Happy New Year to you too, Julie!! xo